Kiss Me, Kate

Combine Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” with Cole Porter’s music and lyrics and you get Kiss Me, Kate, winner of the inaugural “Best Musical” Tony Award. This play-within-a-play follows Fred Graham, a director, producer and fading star, who has cast his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi as his leading lady. Romance and conflict ensue as the estranged lovers attempt to revive their flagging careers. Throw in ambitious starlet Lois Lane, inveterate gambler Bill Calhoun and some inept debt collecting gangsters, and you’ve got a sophisticated high energy romp. Musical numbers include the hit numbers Too Darn Hot, Brush Up Your Shakespeare, I Hate Men andAnother Op’nin, Another Show.